On a moonless, windy night—the perfect time for a duel—Nangong Ruihui arrived right on schedule, stepping through pools of scattered moonlight. Xia Xi, who had been facing away, perked up. *He’s really here.*

“Senior Xia Xi, I hope you’ve been well. Not late, am I?” Nangong Ruihui smiled slightly. They weren’t enemies—no need for tension the moment they met.

Xia Xi turned. Her ample chest remained an undeniable focal point. “No. Right on time.”

Nangong Ruihui’s irritation with Xia Xi had mostly stemmed from Mu Yao’s changed heart. Now that she knew Mu Yao had truly forgiven her for that night’s loss of control, resentment felt pointless. Calling her “Senior” was no hardship.

Though not daylight-bright, Yingshengya Academy glowed softly under the night lamps. Who’d guess the campus heartthrob and the stunning Xia Xi were exchanging greetings atop the rooftop?

Calm before the storm. This time, Nangong Ruihui was ready. No more taking hits like last time. Xia Xi’s brute strength was no joke—bruises on her elbow still lingered.

“Senior Xia Xi, my time is valuable. If I win, you’ll unconditionally accept two conditions.” Nangong Ruihui stepped closer, now under five meters away.

“And if you lose?”

“I’ll accept any demand you make.”

Nangong Ruihui carried quiet confidence. Her high-ranking judo wasn’t for show. Even her mercenary-trained butler said her skill had peaked. And judo excelled at neutralizing raw power.

“Fine. State them.”

With a flick of her silver hair, rooftop light caught Xia Xi perfectly. Pink glittering nails swept through strands; teardrop earrings swayed to stillness. Mature elegance radiated from her.

Sensuality was Xia Xi’s trademark. Nangong Ruihui thought even a burlap sack couldn’t hide that waist, those curves balanced precisely at aesthetic perfection—truly divine craftsmanship.

“Junior, if you weren’t such a lecher, Senior might find you… mildly interesting.”

Xia Xi shot her a disdainful glance. Nangong Ruihui’s eyes kept darting over her body, making her skin crawl. Her white leather skirt and thigh-high boots were for herself—not male attention.

Of course, Nangong Ruihui wasn’t ogling her figure. She wondered: *Will my own curves in third year ever match hers? A size that makes my chest binder sigh in despair…*

“If I win… report to the student council tomorrow. I need help. And… let me feel your chest again. You’ve let me before…” Her voice faded. Pure curiosity—female curiosity fully ignited. For a heartbeat, she forgot she was in disguise.

“You…! Shameless!” Xia Xi glared, fuming. “First condition—fine. The second? Absolutely not!”

*In Xia Xi’s fantasy—*

“Hah! Nangong Ruihui, you’ve finally lost to me!” She cackled, foot planted on his back.

“W-why…?”

“Why? You dared cross me! To me, opponents are sewer rats!”

“Senior Xia Xi… mercy…”

Xia Xi tightened her grip on his throat, lifting until his breath hitched.

*…*

“Hey. What’re you smirking at?” Nangong Ruihui waved a hand before her eyes, puzzled.

“Nothing.”

“What’s so untouchable? Scared you’ll lose today? Seems the mighty Senior Xia Xi fears me~”

“Fear a coward? Never! Fine—I accept!” Xia Xi snapped, pride flaring.

“Then state your terms.”

The more Nangong Ruihui observed Xia Xi, the clearer it became: this silver-haired, fiery-eyed heir of the Xia Clan was startlingly naive about romance. A relief. After visiting Leji Entertainment’s HQ and holding grudges against the Xia Clan, she’d feared a shrewd operator. This? Manageable.

“Mu Yao’s contact. Her hobbies. Daily habits. Reinstate Li Jie to the school news club. And most importantly—bow every time you see me and call me ‘Your Majesty.’” Xia Xi snorted. She’d become Nangong Ruihui’s nightmare at Yingshengya. Teach this “boy” the law: strength rules.

Understanding the weak? Never Xia Xi’s concern. Cross her? Pay the price.

Since meeting Mu Yao, Xia Xi had been quietly charmed. Whether competing for Elder Sister’s place or not, she wanted friendship. That pure smile had etched itself deep. The first person to meet even one of her three partner criteria…

*Back then: ‘Never thought among Yingshengya’s “pigs,” someone this beautiful existed. That smile… so healing.’*

Her heart had raced in the cafeteria—but anger masked it. A pity Mu Yao was a girl. Only a friend.

Meeting one criterion was rare. If male? Xia Xi might’ve molded him herself.

Nangong Ruihui had no clue Xia Xi’s intentions toward Mu Yao. Only this: she wouldn’t let her win. She’d accepted the challenge fearlessly.

“Deal.” Nangong Ruihui stepped back two paces, guard up.

Near the Madonna statue, clusters of elegant girls admired the sixteen-nozzle fountain dancing under colorful ground lights, whispering prayers before leaving—oblivious to the rooftop clash.

Seeing Nangong Ruihui’s caution, Xia Xi moved. No more fists alone. Judo thrived on throws and locks. Keep distance. Strike with kicks. Avoid leg grabs. Victory secured.

“Hah!”

A sweeping kick—full force—but met empty air.

Nangong Ruihui suddenly rose. Xia Xi froze. *Tricked! She crouched!* Damn it!

Seizing the opening, Nangong Ruihui pressed forward with the same leg-lifting move used on Mu Yao, forcing Xia Xi backward until her back hit the reinforced wire mesh.

“Senior… how could I ever hurt you~?” A fingertip lightly flicked Xia Xi’s nose. Nangong Ruihui’s smile stayed calm. “You lost. You overestimated your opponent, blinded by eagerness to win. Even head-on, I’m not beneath you. Admit it?”